Our Application Process

Applicants participate in a play session, scheduled after the application form is submitted. Sessions are typically held on selected Saturday mornings in January.

Applicants participate in a 90-minute play session with other children and GCS teachers. A brief developmental assessment (Brigance) is administered during the session. Sessions are scheduled after the application form is submitted and are typically held on selected Saturday mornings in January.

Applicants attend a morning visit with a Pre-K class during a school day. A brief developmental assessment (Brigance) is administered during the visit, which is scheduled after the application form is submitted.

Applicants complete an academic readiness assessment focused on reading and math (approximately 30 minutes). Testing is administered during the child’s visit day and is scheduled after the application form is submitted.

Fall or winter MAP results from the current school year may be submitted to admissions@glenelg.org in lieu of admissions testing.

If MAP results are not available, applicants for Grades 2–4 will take the Stanford Test for math and reading and the OLSAT (Otis-Lennon School Ability Test) at GCS on a selected Saturday morning in January. Applicants for Grade 5 will need to take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Information about the ISEE can be found under assessments for Grades 6–12.

Applicants must complete one of the following admissions tests. Testing may be scheduled in the fall and should be completed by January 31 if possible.

The ISEE is an admission test developed by the ERB (Educational Records Bureau). It has three levels: a Lower Level for applicants to Grades 5–6; a Middle Level for applicants to Grades 7–8; and an Upper Level for applicants to Grades 9–12.

There are different formats available for ISEE test administration, including At-School, At-Home, and Prometric. The cost ranges from $165–240. For more information, please visit ISEE by ERB. The Glenelg Country School code is 211153.

The At-School, paper-based ISEE may be taken at Glenelg Country School on selected Saturdays in December and January, although GCS applicants may test at any location.

Applicants to Grades 6–8 take the middle level, and candidates to Grades 9–12 take the upper level. For more information, testing options, and registration, please visit SSAT. The Glenelg Country School code is 3433.

Applicants to Grades 9–12 may submit PSAT results from their online College Board account in lieu of admission testing.

myGCS is the school’s portal used to complete application steps, submit forms, and view a checklist and status updates.

Once an inquiry is submitted, a parent can log in to myGCS to find a link to our digital application form. GCS does not use a common application form.

Yes. Admissions can advise how shared access is set up in myGCS.

Use the password reset option or contact Admissions for help accessing your account.

No, a parent interview is not a required step in our application process. However, we are always willing to meet with parents by request.

Admissions provides instructions, typically sent directly to the recommender for completion.

Most applicants provide recent report cards or transcripts and other school documents as applicable.

It is best to have a conversation with us, even before applying, so we can discuss resources and accommodations that could be put in place if a child is offered admission. Our academic support team can review evaluations and accommodation plans (504 or IEP, for example) at any time.

Sometimes, depending on space and grade level. Admissions can advise on availability and timing.

Admissions can advise whether space remains and what next steps look like.

myGCS status updates and Admissions communications typically confirm progress and next steps.